That is how the Chargers inside linebacker learned he was teammates with Manti Te'o. Butler, 24, can sense the excitement about what a dynamic young combination he and the 22-year-old Te'o could prove to be in San Diego's 3-4 defense.

But since the selection was made in the second round, Butler isn't letting himself share the enthusiasm.

Not yet.

He still hasn't met Te'o. He hasn't seen his habits in the weight room, film room or on the field. He's never really watched his college games.

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers,Manti Te'o. Teo drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park last Saturday.
— Nelvin C. Cepeda

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers,Manti Te'o. Teo drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park last Saturday.
— Nelvin C. Cepeda

"I think a lot of people are jumping to conclusions," Butler said this week. "He has to come in and prove himself as a starter. Obviously, it would be nice — that's why you draft someone in the second round. We don't know how he's going to be in the NFL. I hope he comes in and he's a superstar. Hopefully we can create something that will carry us for the next four, five, six years.

"I'm looking forward to him coming in and being excited to work. From what I've heard, that is what he likes to do: humble guy who wants to come in and just work and really hone his craft."

When Butler was a rookie in 2010, he got treated like one.

He had to bring snacks or go on grocery store runs. Rookies have to sing in front of the veterans.

This week, the veteran laughed before answering a question about how Te'o will be received in the locker room. Te'o, of course, has been on the wrong side of ridicule and mostly bad jokes since it was reported this year his over-the-phone girlfriend who died in 2012 was a healthy man all along.

The ex-Notre Dame linebacker said he was duped.

He publicly mourned her death after reportedly learning of the hoax.

"I'm sure he'll get some jabs," Butler said. "But that comes with being a rookie. He might get a little more because of his situation, but I'm sure he's man enough to handle it and really grow from it. I don't think it's going to be anything over-the-top. It'll be your normal rookie jokes."

Butler said there's "no question" he wants Te'o to step in and impress him.

That's why, after Butler's phone finally settled down, he reached out to the rookie.

In a text message, he told Te'o to come in and be ready. Te'o responded and, Butler said, seemed excited to get started and be productive together.

"My things is I just want to see him come here and work," Butler said. "A lot of people are talking about the future, and as bright as the future may seem or sound, he has to come in and prove himself before anything. That's what I'm looking forward to. I want someone coming in ready and willing to work and learn and be a part of this defense.

"From what I've heard, he's going to come in and work, and that's all I can really expect and hope for."

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers, Manti Te'o. Te'o drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon.
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers, Manti Te'o. Te’o drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon.
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers, Manti Te'o. Te’o drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon.
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers,Manti Te'o. Te'o drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon..
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

The newest players to the San Diego Chargers,(from left) D.J. Fluker, Manti Te'o and Keenan Allen. The three players were introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon. .
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers,Manti Te'o. Teo drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon..
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO

One of the newest players to the San Diego Chargers,Manti Te'o. Te’o drafted in the 2nd round was introduced to sports reporters at a press conference held at Chargers Park Saturday afternoon..
— Nelvin C. Cepeda / U-T SAN DIEGO